Camshaft Phaser Stop Elements Integrated in Sliding Bearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camshaft adjustment systems require significant axial installation space for stop elements, leading to increased weight and manufacturing complexity, and often necessitate smaller drive and output units, compromising their functionality and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The integration of stop elements into the sliding bearing area between the drive and output units, utilizing a plain bearing with segmented lateral surfaces and hydraulic damping to distribute load and minimize axial space, allowing for smaller and more efficient stop elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If stop elements are axially offset relative to the actuator to withstand load and define angle limits, then the load-bearing capacity and angle limitation function are improved, but the axial installation space increases and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacity of stop elementsVSAvoidaxial installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the stop elements with the lateral surfaces of the drive and output units that form the plain bearing. The segmented lateral surfaces serve dual purposes: forming the bearing surface and creating the stop elements for angle limitation, thereby eliminating the need for separate axially offset stop elements and reducing axial installation space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lateral surfaces of the drive and output units are designed to perform multiple functions: they form the plain bearing for rotational movement and simultaneously create the stop elements for angle limitation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall axial space requirement while maintaining both bearing and stopping functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If stop elements are axially offset to define angle limits, then the angle limitation function is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to more parts and work steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle limitation functionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stop elements are integrated directly into the lateral surfaces of the drive and output units, eliminating the need for separate stop component parts. This reduction in part count simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces the number of assembly work steps while maintaining the angle limitation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If stop elements are made sufficiently large to withstand load and collision-like states, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the axial installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload withstanding capability in collision-like statesVSAvoidaxial installation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The lateral surfaces are segmented to form multiple stop elements distributed around the circumference. This segmentation allows the load and collision forces to be distributed across multiple engagement points, enabling each individual stop element to be smaller while collectively withstanding the required loads, thereby reducing axial space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design reduces the axial installation space required for the adjustment unit, enhances the load-bearing capacity of stop elements, and provides effective hydraulic damping to minimize impact on the gear mechanism, thereby improving the stability and longevity of the transmission device.

Implementation Method 1

a plain bearing between an inner lateral surface of the drive unit and an outer lateral surface of the output unit is formed so that the drive unit is rotatably mounted on the output unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the inner lateral surface of the drive unit and the outer lateral surface of the output unit are segmented to form stop elements for angle limitation when changing the phase position and engage in one another in a form-fitting manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2638257B1Movement transmission arrangement and camshaft phaser comprising such an arrangement
Publication Date: 2014.07.16 SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES AG & CO KG
  • EP2638257B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2638257B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2638257B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A transmission device (2), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprises a drive unit (4), an output unit (12) and an adjusting unit (2), via which a phase relationship of the output unit (12) relative to the drive unit (4) can be changed. A sliding bearing (28) is formed between an inner circumferential surface (30) of the drive unit (4) and an outer circumferential surface (32) of the output unit (12), with the result that the drive unit (12) is mounted rotatably on the output unit (4). The axial installation space for the adjusting unit (2) is reduced, by the circumferential surfaces (30, 32) being of segmented configuration for forming stop elements (34, 36) for angular limitation during changing of the phase relationship and engaging positively into one another.